Marketing in China

Before the reforms, under the command economy, Chinese companies took order from the state in production and push the products through state-controlled distribution systems. They never had to advertise, to do consumer research, and to think about marketing strategies. For years, even after the opening and reforms, many Chinese still consider marketing western concept of a dubious practice, something that may be not valid or applicable in China. Marketing proves to be one of the most challenging parts of China operations, perhaps more so than other areas such as accounting, finance, or research & development. For several reasons, First, infrastructure in marketing is underdeveloped, including transportation systems, media development, labyrinth of multi-tier distribution channels, and the severe shortage of qualified marketing personnel. Firms attracted to the longterm potential of this vast country must remember to pay sufficient attention to the basics of producing, distribution and marketing a successful product (Country Commercial Guide 1998), Marketing Strategies In the early 1980s when MNCs first came to China, many thought of China as a huge market with a homogeneous culture and felt standardized global marketing would be effective in capturing the opportunities and improving efficiency. These feelings were confirmed by the desire of Chinese to acquire western technologies and their fascination with products from the West. After living in an economy of scarcity and shoddy products, the "foreign image" was synonymous with better quality, and very appealing to the Chinese. In many cases, the foreign brand advertising was sufficient to command the attention and to win the admiration of potential customers. Since in many cases, MNCs are introducing a new product or brand name in a foreign market, the evolution of their marketing strategies is